Minnesota United traveled across the border into Wisconsin and blanked USL League One’s Forward Madison 2-0 in a third round Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match at a rain-soaked Breese Stevens Field. Adrien Nuhou and Brett Kallman scored each of the MLS side’s goals off of corners from Joseph Rosales, with Madison unable to secure a shot on goal during the contest.
Despite Madison controlling possession for the first 10 minutes, Minnesota had the first chance of the match in the 17th minute when the Flamingo’s Christian Enriquez’s clearing attempt was misplayed off his own foot. The ball fell perfectly to Minnesota’s Hunou, whose effort from less than five yards missed the mark.
Minutes later, the Loons nearly scored once again. Oneil Fisher played a dangerous cross that was played out by Madison keeper Phil Breno, thwarting the Minnesota attack. Subsequent attempts for Minnesota were interrupted due to the Loons being called offside three times in the opening 25 minutes.
Oneil Fisher continued to create chances in dangerous areas for his teammates. In the 34th minute, Fisher made a run down the left flank and crossed the ball into the penalty area for Hunou, whose shot on goal was deflected away by Breno.
some birds, a lot of rain & a couple of goals pic.twitter.com/SNqG6LL7Vw
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) April 21, 2022
After almost six minutes of additional time, Minnesota’s Hunou had space in the penalty area and was able to find DJ Taylor on the opposite end of the box. Taylor’s first touch was played perfectly to the right foot of Abu Danladi, whose strike was deflected out of play.
Neither team would be able to score before halftime. Madison was unable to generate a shot on goal, while Minnesota had two opportunities that forced Breno to work.
Six minutes into the second half, Minnesota United were finally able to break through the Madison defense.
Rosales took the Loons’ corner and swung the ball toward the back post. Hunou found the ball and turned it into the back of the Madison net to give Minnesota the 1-0 lead in the 51st minute.
Hunou nearly doubled the Loons’ lead in the 66th minute after Rosales again found the Minnesota number 23 in the penalty area. This time Breno was there to get in front of Hunou’s shot and his defense was able to clear.
Mitchell Osmond was assessed a yellow card in the 72nd minute for a bad tackle that gave Minnesota a free-kick in a dangerous spot. The subsequent service from Roberts was perfectly placed at the Madison back post, but there was nobody there to finish the chance.
It was the Minnesota captain, Kallman, who would put the game away for the Loons. An 82nd minute corner kick from Roberts met the head of Kallman, whose header doubled the Minnesota lead and sent the Loons’ into the Fourth Round.
CUE WONDERWALL 🖤💙 pic.twitter.com/WKItzozkWa
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) April 21, 2022
Minnesota dominated possession 66% to 34% and outshot Madison 15-3 with five of the Loons’ chances being on goal.
Minnesota United, who became the first Minnesota club in history to reach the US Open Cup Final the last year this tournament was played in 2019, will advance to Round 4 where they will host fellow MLS side Colorado Rapids on May 11.
